Modular Makeup Storage

ABSTRACT

A modular makeup storage system is provided which comprises a support assembly and a template attached to the support assembly, said template having a predetermined arrangement of holes for permanent or removable attachment of fixtures. The storage system is of any desired size and shape, and may fit on a table top or may be portable. The user may design the desired configuration of the storage system to allow flexibility for various makeup and other products.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/885,824, filed Jan. 19, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The storage and organization of various makeup products presents aproblem for many people. Individuals typically have different types ofmakeup products, such as lipstick, face powder, nail polish, mascara,and the like. In addition, typically an individual has multipledifferent shades or colors of products. The makeup user also requiresdifferent applicators, such as brushes for different products. Theorganization of the products to allow access as well as storage when theproducts are not in use is a continual concern for many users.

The makeup storage and organization solutions currently in use havedrawbacks. Most makeup storage products do not allow access to orvisualization of many different products at once. Some disclosedproducts include: a cabinet having drawers and open compartments, twomirrored doors, and a light in US 2006/0006772; a portable vanity casehaving multiple drawers in a center section of the cabinet, with anupper section having a mirror which closes over the drawers, and twoside doors which close over the side walls of the case in U.S. Pat. No.D261,825; and a cosmetics travel case which has a bottom portioncontaining two trays that can be extended horizontally when the case isopen in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,255.

The cosmetic cases currently available do not allow for storing andorganizing multiple different types and sizes of products securely andallowing for changing the products which can be stored.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided is a modular makeup storage system. More specifically, in oneembodiment, provided is a modular makeup storage system comprising: atemplate having a predetermined arrangement of holes for permanent orremovable attachment of fixtures. The template may be attached to asupport assembly, which can have various forms. In one embodiment,provided is a modular makeup storage system comprising: a supportassembly; and a template attached to the support assembly, said templatehaving a predetermined arrangement of holes for permanent or removableattachment of fixtures. In one embodiment, a template is permanently orreleasably attached to the support assembly. Some methods of attaching atemplate to the support assembly are one or more members of the groupconsisting of: glue, tape, rivets, hook and loop fabrics (such asVelcro®), sewing, snaps, nails, screws, melted plastic, and otherattachment means. One or more methods of attaching a template may beused in the same storage system. In one embodiment, a template is usedto attach fixtures, which are used for storage or attachment of variousitems, as described further herein.

The storage system may have any suitable configuration and size. In oneembodiment, the storage system is designed to be relatively portable insize. In one embodiment, the storage system is designed to be relativelylarger for placement on a table-top, or for use in storing a largenumber of products, for example. Different configurations of the storagesystem and support assembly are further described herein.

Other optional features may be present in any embodiment, such as ahandle, a strap, a lock, a mirror, pads under the bottom (for protectionof a surface, for example), reinforcement of various portions (such asthe corners), pockets, a drawer, and other features as known in the art.Any embodiment may include a stand, as further described herein.

There may be more than one template attached to the support assembly. Inone embodiment, there is one template attached to the back of thesupport assembly. In one embodiment, there are two templates attached tothe back of the support assembly. In one embodiment, there is onetemplate attached to a side of the support assembly. In one embodiment,there is one template attached to each side of the support assembly.

Each embodiment of the system may include optional removable orpermanent “fixtures” for sorting or storing items, which fixtures arenot required to be attached to the template. As used herein, “fixture”is used to refer to a variety of items which can be used for sorting orstoring items such as bins, clips, containers, organizers, trays,closures, straps, and other items as known in the art. These optionalremovable or permanent fixtures may include open or multi-component binsor containers for storing items such as brushes, swabs, cotton balls,lipsticks, pencils or nail polish; removable or permanent fixtures whichmay be rolled or otherwise closed; and other fixtures known to a personof ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation. In oneembodiment, fixtures include one or more members of the group consistingof: shelves, bins, and clips. Fixtures may be attached to the templateusing one or more holes, depending, in part, on the size and weight ofthe fixture, as well as the amount of holding strength required for thefixture, among other factors. Fixtures may also be attached to otherportions of the support assembly or other portions of the storagesystem. In one embodiment, a fixture is attached to the template usingone hole. In one embodiment, a fixture is attached to the template usingmore than one hole. In one embodiment, a fixture is a bin, and the binis attached to the template using four holes. In one embodiment, thefixture is a clip, and the clip is attached to the template using threeholes. In one embodiment, the fixture is a clip, and the clip isattached to the template using two holes. Clips include clamps and otherdevices which are intended to hold an item, such as a brush orcontainer. Shelves include any embodiment which is designed to be usedin a relatively horizontal manner, including a solid surface, or asurface having holes or perforations, or other embodiment. In oneembodiment, items are placed on a shelf. Items may also be placed indepressions or openings in or on a shelf. Bins include any embodimentwhich is intended to at least partially form an enclosure. Bins may beround, square, rectangular, triangular, or any other desired shape. Binsdo not need to be a fixed or permanent shape, such as if fabric is usedto form one or more “walls” of the bin. In one embodiment, items areplaced in a bin.

The template may be any suitable size and shape to be used in attachingthe desired number and type of fixtures. As will be appreciated, theremay be more than one type or size of fixture attached to the template.In one embodiment, the user may select the types and numbers of fixturesdesired, as well as the placement of those fixtures. In addition tofixtures, other items may be attached to the template or other portionsof the storage system, such as bags, pockets, and other items.

As used herein, “attachment” indicates components are permanently,semi-permanently or removably joined. “Attachment” can be used forvarious items, such as a template which is “attached” to a casecomponent such as a door or back; two case components “attached”together; or fixtures which are “attached” to a template. Alternatively,when the template is “attached to” a component, the component andtemplate may be fabricated together so that the component and templateare not designed to be easily separable. As used herein, “case” isintended to mean at least a template and a support assembly. There maybe other components included in the use of the term “case” which can beappreciated by the description provided.

The template can have many different ways to perform the same functions.All embodiments of the examples of the operation and fabrication of thetemplate are intended to be used with all embodiments of the systemdisclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows one example of a closed case.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of an open case.

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment in FIG. 2, including representativeproducts.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the case.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a template.

FIG. 6 shows a bracket for insertion in the template.

FIG. 7 shows a clip for attachment to the template.

FIG. 8 shows a partially filled template having prearranged holes andhaving different sized products attached by clips.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the travel case, open view.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the travel case, closed view, with stand.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of the operation of the stand.

FIG. 12 shows one method of attaching a template.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the case with four templates.

FIG. 14 shows a small version of the case with one template and fourfixtures.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the travel case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following nonlimiting description is provided to illustrate specificembodiments of the invention.

Provided is a modular makeup storage system. The modular makeup storagesystem can have different embodiments and arrangements, such as a systemhaving different sizes designed for placement on a vanity top, atravel-size system, and other embodiments and arrangements which areevident from the description provided herein, and well understood by onehaving ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the support assembly comprises a back and an optionalattached or removable front. In one embodiment, the support assemblycomprises the components: two doors which close vertically upon a maincompartment, said main compartment having a top, a back, two sides and abottom; and wherein a template is attached to at least one component. Asknown in the art, other components may be present.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the system, where reference number 100indicates a door, 110 indicates the top, 105 indicates a side, 115indicates the bottom, and 120 indicates a drawer. The embodiment shownin FIG. 1 shows a stylized design with curved walls and other ornamentalfeatures. It is understood that the design of the system is notnecessarily a limiting feature of the embodiment. For example, straightwalls may be used; and the “feet” shown may be absent, or may be simplyfoam or other suitable material.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the system with the doors open. FIG. 2also shows various fixtures 125 in main compartment 50. FIG. 2 showstemplates 195 attached to sides of the main compartment. FIG. 2 shows anoptional mirror 250 in top 110.

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 2 with variousmakeup items added. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the system disclosedherein, showing handles 130, hinges 135, and latch 140. As known in theart, these components may be interchanged with other components havingthe same function. For example, latch 140 can be a lock, magneticclosure, or other mechanism which prevents the doors from being open atall times. Handle 130 can be positioned on the top. Other modificationscan be made, as known in the art and described herein.

All embodiments of the system include at least one template as describedfurther herein. In one embodiment, the template has a predeterminedvertical and horizontal arrangement of holes, which holes allowattachment of fixtures, as further described herein (see FIG. 8, forexample). In one alternative embodiment, the holes are “tracks” or slotsinto which various fixtures can be removably attached. In oneembodiment, the fixtures include one or more appendages which extendfrom the fixture and fit into one or more holes or tracks or slots sothat the fixture is held with sufficient force to allow the fixture toremain in place until the user desires repositioning of the fixture.This amount of force is known to one of ordinary skill in the art andthe fixture can be fabricated by a combination of size of the hole ortrack or slot and the material from which the template (or hole or trackor slot portion of the template) and appendages are made. In oneembodiment, the hole or track or slot material of the template, holderor fixture contains enough elasticity or “give” to allow asuitably-sized appendage to be inserted and removed into the hole ortrack or slot, and also enough stability to permit sufficient holdingstrength of the holder or fixture which is attached thereto. Thetemplate can be made from any suitable material, such as injectionmolded plastic. In alternative embodiments, the template can be madefrom paperboard, metal or wood, or a combination of materials. Thetemplate may be positioned at a sufficient distance away from thesupport assembly to allow the fixtures to be inserted into the template.In one embodiment, the template itself is able to be placed upon asurface or otherwise positioned, such as hung from a wall without aseparate support assembly.

Another embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, for example, does not contain holesor slots in the template, but rather allows the containers to rest on ashelf or other suitably shaped apparatus, such as a depression in asurface or cavity.

The template can be used to support any of several types of fixtures,including those designed specifically to hold makeup jars or containers.A template and various sized fixtures with containers are shown in FIG.8. In one embodiment, several fixtures are prearranged together into abracket, so that the bracket fits into the holes in the template. Oneembodiment of a bracket is shown in FIG. 6. The number of fixtures in abracket can vary, as convenient for the size of the template, and otherfactors.

In one embodiment, the fixture is any device which resists gravity, suchas a shelf. The fixture can have optional features such as a retainingdevice to prevent horizontal movement (such as the walls on a bin), atension device to limit or prevent horizontal movement and to resistvertical movement, or a retainer bar to limit vertical movement. In oneembodiment, the retainer bar is shaped so it can be used to brace afinger against when containers are removed.

In one embodiment, the fixture is a clip for attaching jars or othercontainers to the template. In one embodiment, provided is a one-piececlip for releasably holding a jar-type vessel, comprising: a bottomshelf; a back attached to the bottom shelf; one or more arm membersattached to the back; a front-facing top bar attached to the arm member;an upward-extending hook attached to the arm member; and two rear-facingattachment members attached to the back. In one embodiment, the “armmember” is one arm that attaches at the back of the center of the arm.In one embodiment, there are two arm members attached to the back. Asused herein “attachment members” means any portion that allowsattachment to the template. In one embodiment, “attachment member” meansa snap. In one embodiment, “attachment member” is a piece of materialthat is flexible enough to insert into a hole of the template, and rigidenough so that the clip is held in place until sufficient force isapplied to remove the attachment member from the template.

One embodiment of a clip is shown in FIG. 7. In this example, the clip(or jar holder) comprises two arms 155, a supporting bottom shelf 160, aretainer bar 165, and a means to attach the fixture to a template. InFIG. 7, the attaching means are appendages 170. The jar is inserted intothe fixture horizontally. Pressing the jar into the space between thearms widens arms 155 to accept the jar. As the jar is pressed into thefixture, arms 155 close around the jar, preventing horizontal movement.Shelf 160 below arms 155 supports the jar and prevents it from fallingdownward. Optional retainer bar 165 above the jar prevents upwardmovement and is especially useful in travel versions of the case.Supporting shelf 160 and retainer bar 165 are shaped with tapered,ski-tip ends to act as guides for placing the jar into the fixture inone embodiment. In one embodiment, shelf 160 is of a size and shape tominimize contact with user's fingers/thumbs and to provide maximumcomfort, effective jar support, and minimal plastic volume. Otherembodiments are possible, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Clips described elsewhere can also be used. Alternatively, or incombination, a row, column or cluster of two or more clips that attachesto the template can be used. The individual clip or cluster can also beinserted directly into the case (i.e., without the use of a template).In one embodiment, each clip or jar cavity has a built-in mechanism thatworks like a ballpoint click-pen, or magnetic push-click opening stereocabinet doors. In this embodiment, the jars are stored very closetogether without the requirement for room for fingers in between them.To remove a jar, the user presses the jar, activating the jar ejectionsystem. When the user removes pressure from the jar, the ejection systempropels the jar or cluster forward far enough for the user to grip it.To reinsert the jar or cluster, the jar or cluster is placed into thecavity to reactivate the ejection system.

Another embodiment of the clip uses deflectable retainer bar instead ofarms, and an indented bottom shelf to hold the jar horizontally. The jarinsertion motion is the same as described elsewhere herein, but uses asingle ‘arm’/retainer bar which presses down on the jar. Anotherembodiment of the clip uses two wide, vertically-opposed retainer bars,with jar-shaped indentations (no shelf per se, and no arms). In oneembodiment, a general description of the clip described herein is anapparatus which allows removable retainment or attachment of a jar, potor other item.

Another aspect of the storage system is the use of a mechanism torelease the jar or container from the clip. This embodiment allows thestorage of more jars or containers since the amount of space required toremove and re-insert the jars may be less than if each jar or containeris removed and re-inserted by hand. In this embodiment, a mechanismhaving a click-pen or spring-loaded access method is used. The jar orcontainer fixtures may one or more of a variety of embodiments.

The storage system is designed to be modular, so that the user candecide how many of which type of fixture to insert in the template atany time. If the user does not wish to put makeup jars in the case ortemplate, shelves or bins can be inserted in the case to hold any othercontainer having makeup or other items. The case or template can also beused to hold a combination of jar makeup and other types of makeup. Thecase or template can also be used to hold brushes, cotton balls,lotions, and other items.

Additional organizational features such as lipstick caddies and brushbins can also be added to the system for increased functionality. Thesefeatures can be free-standing and placed in a suitable area of the caseor template, or made as fixtures to fit into the template. Anycombination of free-standing or modular features can be used.

One embodiment contains one or more drawers which are accessible frominside or outside the system. The drawer, if present, can be anysuitable size. In one embodiment, the bottom of the drawer does nottouch the bottom of the system. In one embodiment, the drawer forms thebottom of the system. Drawers and their fabrication and use are wellknown in the art.

The doors of the case can be closed in any suitable way, such as byusing a lock, a latch, a tie, a magnetic closure, a zipper, or othermethods known in the art.

The system can be used for many purposes, such as a table-top orportable organizer for personal and/or professional use. The modulardesign can be used to customize the organization to fit the user'sneeds. For example, some users may use the templates and fixtures tostore and organize makeup jars, such as loose powder makeup, pressedpowder, creams, glosses, gels, and other items. The fixtures may be usedto hold a container in any desired orientation. This variableorientation feature may be designed into the template, by arranging theangle of hole or slot, or by the fixture itself. Some users may use thetemplates and fixtures to store and organize various makeup brushes andapplicators. Some users may use the templates and fixtures to store andorganize various lipstick items. Some users may use the templates andfixtures to store and organize lotions and cleansing items. Some usersmay use the templates and fixtures to store and organize various nailpolish items. Some users may use the templates and fixtures to store andorganize a combination of different items used to apply and/or removecosmetics and other similar beauty products. As the user's needs or themanufacturer's products change, the modular makeup storage system can beadapted. For example, if a manufacturer produces items which are squarein shape, the fixtures can be adapted to hold these items.

As known in the art, different materials, colors, and sizes of themodular makeup case are envisioned. The modular makeup storage systemsof the invention may be made from any suitable material, including oneor more of wood, composite materials, fabric, vinyl, plastic, leather orleather-like, or other pliable material. In one embodiment, materialsused to make a laptop case, luggage or handbags may be used. In oneembodiment, the outside is made from heavy-duty nylon denier fabric(such as 1680D); the lining is made from durable PVC and clear vinyl.Any color and pattern may be used. Different materials may be used fordifferent portions of the case, if desired. In one embodiment, the caseis made from wood or wood that is covered with another material, such asa veneer or metal or metallic or vinyl material. In one embodiment, thecase is made from plastic or polymer material. In one embodiment, thecase is made from metal, such as aluminum. In one embodiment, the caseis made from wood, such as particle board or solid wood, such as walnut.In one embodiment, the case is made from a combination of materials. Inone embodiment, the case is made from a natural or artificial fabric,such as vinyl, cloth, or leather. In this embodiment, the sides fold byvirtue of the pliability of the fabric. If the case is made from fabric,stiffeners, such as cardboard, may be added, if desired, as known in theart. Alternatively, it may be desired to have no stiffeners.

The various aspects of the case can be attached together using anysuitable attachment method, including screws, zippers, hook and loopfabrics, locks, hinges, sewing, rivets, and other methods known to oneof ordinary skill in the art without undue experimentation.

In one embodiment, the case is sized to fit on top of a counter. In oneembodiment, the case is sized to fit in a carry-on luggage bag. In oneembodiment, the case is sized to fit in a purse or handbag. In oneembodiment, the case is sized to be easily carried. In one embodiment,the case is carry-on luggage sized. FIG. 14 shows a version of the casewith one template, attached to the back of the case, and several bins orfixtures attached to other portions of the case.

The travel-size system is designed to be used while traveling, althoughusers may find it convenient for everyday or other uses, as well.Additional nonlimiting description of the travel-size system is providedherein. One embodiment of a travel-size system is shown in FIGS. 9-11.In FIG. 9, main compartment having top 175, back 180, two sides 185 andbottom 190 includes two templates 195 as further described elsewhereherein. FIG. 9 shows a removable front 230 where the front may bezippered on and off. Front 230 contains optional bags and pockets. Theremay be one or more templates attached to one or more components of thecase, depending on the size of the main compartment and the size of thetemplates. The templates may be attached to the main compartment usingany suitable means, as described elsewhere herein. In one embodimentshown in FIG. 12, a strip of “hook” 245 is sewn to the back of the caseand a strip of “loop” 255 is sewn to the back of the case. The strips ofhook and loop are positioned so that when a template is positioned infront of the strips of hook and loop, excess hook and loop material maybe engaged together in the front of the template, so as to attach thetemplate to the main compartment. As an alternative or additional methodof attaching the template to the main compartment which may be used withany suitable method of attachment described here or known in the art,the template may have “fins” 265 which sit on the bottom and/or top ofthe main compartment. The top and/or bottom of the main compartment (orportions thereof) may be lined with hook or loop material, and flapslined with the corresponding hook or loop material can be folded overthe fins of the template. This is also shown in FIG. 12.

The front may be fully removable from the main compartment by anysuitable means, such as a zipper or snaps. The front may includeoptional pouches and other compartments. The inner surface of the frontmay be lined with material, such as vinyl to form a pocket. The pocketcan be opened and closed with a zipper, snap, or hook-and-loop closure,or other methods as known in the art. There may be optional pocketswhich may be gusseted incorporated into the front. The front portion mayinclude a hook for hanging the front portion of the case. There may be aseparate zippered pocket on the outside of the front, for access whenthe case is closed. These various features are shown in FIG. 15.

To give the case enough support to be placed on a desired surface, rigidor semi-rigid inserts may be placed one or more of the back, top, andsides of the case. These inserts may be made from any desired material,such as cardboard, masonite, paperboard, wood, plastic, or othersuitable materials as known in the art. The inserts can be attached tothe components by any suitable method, such as sewn, glued, stapled,riveted, friction, or any other methods known in the art. Alternatively,the case may be fabricated out of material which possesses sufficientstrength to provide the desired level of case support.

The interior of one or more sides of the case may include any desiredfeature, such as a pocket which can be attached to the side of the casewith hook and loop material (shown in FIG. 12B, for example). Otherfeatures of the case may be included, such as an adjustable or fixedlength carrying strap which may clip on and off; and a carrying handleon the top.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 10 and 11, a stand can be included aspart of the case if necessary or desired, or the case can befree-standing. In FIG. 11, an exemplary stand is shown, where bottommember 200 and top member 190 are shown. Bottom member 200 is attachedto the main portion of the case using any suitable method, such assewing, gluing, riveting, or other methods known to one or ordinaryskill in the art. In one embodiment, at least one of the top and bottommembers include a portion having the desired rigidity to enable the caseto withstand the desired amount of force without collapsing, and aportion which is less rigid to enable attachment of various memberstogether. FIG. 11C shows the stand folded for storage. In operation,bottom member 200 is unfolded from top member 190 (shown in FIG. 11B).Next, top member 190 is unfolded from the case. Top member 190 isattached to bottom member at flexible portion 109 (shown in FIG. 11A).FIG. 11 shows a hook and loop attachment. As known in the art, othermethods to attach the portions of the stand together, and to attachportions of the stand to the case may be used, such as snaps or screws.FIG. 11 shows a flexible portion of the bottom member folded over thetop member. As known in the art, the top member may be folded over thebottom member, or a portion of the bottom or top member can just beplaced on the other member, as shown in FIG. 11D. One embodiment of thestand may be thought of as one piece of material which attaches at twopositions of the back, and has a foldable portion between the top andbottom. The rigid portions of the stand members can be fabricated fromany desired material or combination of materials, such as cardboard,paperboard, masonite, wood, metal, plastic, or other suitable materialknown in the art to perform the desired functions. The stand may becovered in the same fabric the case is made from. The flexible portionsof the stand members can be fabricated from any desired material orcombination of materials, such as fabric, plastic, metal wire, or sheetmetal, nonwoven material, or other suitable material known in the art toperform the desired functions. The number of flaps and the location oftheir attachment to the case is variable. For example, a multi-fold flapmight be attached halfway up the back of the case or to the bottom ofthe case, and could fold out to create the slanted and bottom supportelements of the stand. Or the flap could be attached via a tension hingeor other method such that only one section of flap was required for thestand. Alternatively, the stand could detach from the case and be storedinside the case when not in use.

Alternatively, FIG. 10 shows a one-piece stand 210 which is attached tothe case on the back at 220, and in one embodiment, can be unfolded andstored at 230.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment having various templates, attached to thecomponents of the case. FIG. 13 also shows a liner tray, which is anoptional feature to help minimize spills, and which may also assist inpositioning the system on the desired surface. FIG. 13 shows a bottomleveler which is used to assist in keeping portions of the case level.The bottom leveler is intended to provide a flat surface in the inside,bottom surface of the main compartment such that jars, pots, and othercontainers may be placed in the bottom of the main compartment withouttipping, sliding or spilling. Alternatively, levelers can be used onother areas of the case such as the sides, bottoms or ceilings of anypart of the system for functional or cosmetic purposes. Levelers can beused in other areas such as the drawer or doors. The bottom leveler canbe any thickness and can be cut to any desired shape including a shapeto fit closely around the templates, or attachment fins of thetemplates, such that the bottom leveler and the template fin are thesame height. The bottom leveler can be made of any suitable materialsuch as paperboard, masonite, foam, plastic etc. It may be covered inany suitable material such as PVC, polyurethane, vinyl, fabric, paper,or other materials known in the art without undue experimentation. Thematerials are selected using various factors, such as ease offabrication, aesthetic value, cost, weight, size, and other factorsknown in the art.

Also provided is an improved lid for jars. In one embodiment, the jarcontents are powdered or finely divided particles, such that uponopening, some of the particles are sent out of the jar. This improvedlid allows easier, faster, and cleaner access to jar contents. The lidmay be a screw-cap design, which is designed to form a lid to the jar.The lid may also be a replacement for any insert present in the jardesign. In this embodiment, the lid may be press-fit into the opening ofthe jar.

The alternate lid is a screw-cap design, and is a 2-component product inone embodiment. On top of the screw-on lid is a hinged cover. This coveris actuated by pushing up on a small feature protruding over the edge ofthe body of the lid. The cover is equipped with a stopper (solid or openwith a solid outline), attached to the inside of the cover. This stopperfits down inside a hole in main body of the lid, preventing spillage ofmakeup powder. The hole is small compared to the size of the entirelid-25% or less, in one embodiment, but can be any suitable size. Thelid is made of any suitable material, such as polymer, such as nylon.

One feature of this lid is useful for vacuum control. When a suction-fitlid is opened, the air rushing into the container disturbs the powderand sends it flying, making a mess. However, if the vacuum created frompushing the lid up could be controlled, the mess would be dramaticallyreduced or eliminated. This invention solves that problem by having alip that sticks up around the access hole. In the front of that lip (theface farthest from the hinge) are small vent slots/holes, in anysuitable shape, such as circular, square, rectangular, or oval. As thestopper lifts out of the access hole, it moves beyond the vent slotsbefore it releases from the access hole. Air can enter the jar andrelieve the vacuum caused by the moving stopper before the access holeis open. This prevents a large rush of air from disturbing the powderand making a mess.

The inside cover may also contain a liner material, ideal for mixingpowder makeup on. The lid may be translucent or any desired color orpattern.

The system and all aspects of the system including the template may befabricated and assembled using methods known in the art.

Although this description contains many specificities, this should notbe construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Other dimensions,materials, configurations and the like are easily used by one ofordinary skill in the art and are included in this invention, even ifnot specifically listed.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documentsincluding issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent applicationpublications; and non-patent literature documents or other sourcematerial; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to theextent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with thedisclosure in this application (for example, a reference that ispartially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for thepartially inconsistent portion of the reference).

All patents and publications mentioned in the specification areindicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to whichthe invention pertains. References cited herein are incorporated byreference herein in their entirety to indicate the state of the art, insome cases as of their filing date, and it is intended that thisinformation can be employed herein, if needed, to exclude (for example,to disclaim) specific embodiments that are in the prior art.

Every formulation or combination of components described or exemplifiedcan be used to practice the invention, unless otherwise stated. One ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that device elements otherthan those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice ofthe invention without resort to undue experimentation. All art-knownfunctional equivalents, of any such device elements are intended to beincluded in this invention.

As used herein, “comprising” is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As usedherein, “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient notspecified in the claim element. As used herein, “consisting essentiallyof” does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affectthe basic and novel characteristics of the claim. Any recitation hereinof the term “comprising”, particularly in a description of components ofa composition or in a description of elements of a device, is understoodto encompass those compositions and methods consisting essentially ofand consisting of the recited components or elements. The inventionillustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element or elements, limitation or limitations which is notspecifically disclosed herein.

The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although thepresent invention has been specifically disclosed by preferredembodiments and optional features, modification and variation of theconcepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in theart, and that such modifications and variations are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

In general the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognizedmeaning, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journalreferences and contexts known to those skilled in the art. The followingdefinitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context ofthe invention.

One skilled in the art readily appreciates that the present invention iswell adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantagesmentioned, as well as those inherent in the present invention. Themethods, components, materials and dimensions described herein ascurrently representative of preferred embodiments are provided asexamples and are not intended as limitations on the scope of theinvention. Changes therein and other uses which are encompassed withinthe spirit of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art, areincluded within the scope of the claims.

1. A modular makeup storage system comprising: a template having apredetermined arrangement of holes for permanent or removable attachmentof fixtures.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a supportassembly, onto which the template is attached.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the fixtures are one or more selected from the group consistingof: shelves, bins, and clips.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein eachfixture is attached to the template using one or more holes.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein a fixture is attached to the template usingone hole.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein a fixture is attached to thetemplate using more than one hole.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein afixture is a bin, and the bin is attached to the template using fourholes.
 8. The system of claim 4, wherein a fixture is a clip, and theclip is attached to the template using three holes.
 9. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the template is permanently or releasably attached tothe support assembly.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the template isattached to the support assembly using one or more members of the groupconsisting of: glue, rivets, tape, hook and loop fabrics, snaps, nails,screws, melted plastic, and other attachment means.
 11. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the support assembly comprises the components: twodoors which close vertically upon a main compartment, said maincompartment having a top, a back, two sides and a bottom; and whereinthe template is attached to at least one component.
 12. The system ofclaim 11, wherein a template is attached to at least one door or theback.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein a template is attached to adoor and the back.
 14. The system of claim 2, wherein the supportassembly comprises: a back and an optional attached or removable front.15. The system of claim 14, wherein the support assembly furthercomprises: two sides, a top and a bottom.
 16. A modular makeup storagesystem comprising: a support assembly comprising a back, a front, twosides, and a bottom; a template attached to the back of the supportassembly; said template having a predetermined arrangement of holes forpermanent or removable attachment of fixtures; an optional handle, andan optional carrying strap.
 17. The storage system of claim 16, whereinthe front is removably or permanently attached to the back.
 18. Thestorage system of claim 17, wherein the front has one or more pockets.19. The storage system of claim 16, wherein the front is zipped onto theback.
 20. A one-piece clip for releasably holding a jar-type vessel,comprising: a bottom shelf; a back attached to the bottom shelf; an armmember attached to the back; a front-facing top bar attached to the armmember; an upward-extending hook attached to the arm member; tworear-facing attachment members attached to the back.
 21. The clip ofclaim 20, wherein the arm member comprises two separate arm portions.